Ladies and Gentleman... welcome to JULY.
Arguably the best month of the year. Glorious, hot, steamy July. When Old Glory decorates the sidewalks and fireworks light up the dark summer skies. When city slickers flock to the beaches, the smell of burnt barbecue wafts through the air, and pups like me swarm the streets with our clothes off and our tongues out. Truly a magical month if you ask me.
But more importantly, July marks the anniversary of a historic, revolutionary date that changed the course of American history forever…
My Declaration of Independence
Commonly referred to in history books as The American Gentleman's Revolution or The Battle for Bacon. In other words, the day I declared my independence from that lousy situation of which we will never speak. The day I realized there was more to life than fear and oppression. (And as a bonus, this new life involves a lot more treats.) And so began my fight for freedom.
This July marks the 4th anniversary of the day my parents rescued me, and I would argue, I rescued them. And since I was approximately three years old at the time, this July also marks my 7th birthday! (Or as my Dad likes to remind me, technically my 49th birthday.) But you know what they always say... 7 is the new 5.
Stopped by the Massachusetts State House to practice my stoic look #nailedit #readytolegislate
Now when I lived in Ohio, they really knew how to celebrate my freedom. Every year, Columbus threw a huge party for me downtown called Red, White, and Boom with great music, and games, and all the fried foods you could ever imagine (and some, you never wanted to imagine. I’m talking about you, Fried Pepsi). And to cap off the occasion, the event always ended with an extravagant fireworks display best viewed from the rooftops of exclusive skyscrapers downtown. Of course, I preferred to enjoy the show from the comfort of my air-conditioned living room, with the windows closed, and a blanket over my head. But it’s the thought that counts and I could really feel the support from my Ohio friends.
I must admit this year I was a little nervous about celebrating my favorite month in Boston for the first time. Would these Bostonians understand how hard I had to fight for my freedom? How those bigger dogs stole my food for YEARS without even asking? How I may be young and small, but everyone seems to underestimate my strength and stubbornness? How many indoor pee parties I had to throw to finally get some attention? (And not the good kind of attention.)
But then I found out Boston is called the Cradle of Liberty. Home to some of the most notorious American colonists, the Sons of Liberty. Where some historians might say the first battle of the American Revolution was fought. Where to this day, people still follow this thing called the Freedom Trail, which from what I can tell involves an excessive amount of walking. Up hill. With strange, colonial men.
On second thought, maybe they will understand what freedom means to me.
Well friends… Boston did not disappoint. In fact, these Bostonians threw me an EPIC party to celebrate my Declaration of Independence.
First, hundreds of people gathered outside the iconic Old State House for the annual reading of my official Declaration of Independence. Pretty solid location if I do say so myself. And so it began with these patriotic words...
Here I am blending in with the crowd, listening carefully to the wise words of freedom.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all pups are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of bacon..."
Mmmmmm, you had me at "bacon". Please do go on...
On second thought... please don't go on. Declaring freedom is exhausting.
But alas, my declaration is revived with streamers. BACON! BACON! BACON!
What a great way to celebrate the 4th anniversary of my independence and my first July here in Boston. Since the party I've been making a point to demonstrate my freedom and liberty by walking over this grand city. Just because I can. (Actually, I'd prefer to take a cab, but you know, "exercise".)
First, I showed some college ladies how to take a photo on the Esplanade. Notice I am not jumping in the air, because I think for myself and I think... why jump when you can sit?
Next I went to people watch at Boston Public Gardens, because I'm free and I do what I want.
And sometimes I want to stare awkwardly at strangers. #sorrynotsorry
Now July is not only a time to honor my freedom, but also a time to celebrate my 7th birthday. And since 1 year is essentially equivalent to 7 years, you can bet I like to make the most of my birthdays, and typically this involves consuming lots of salty, greasy bacon (the ultimate demonstration of liberty). Boston may be known for it's fresh seafood, but my parents managed to find me a special birthday treat... this maple bacon donut from Boston Public Market which I proceeded to devour like the patient, mature dog that I am.
Excuse me sir, but is this donut for me?
Must get a taste of delicious freedom, I mean, bacon.
More. More. More.
Now I know what you're thinking... what does bacon have to do with freedom? But to me bacon and freedom are essentially the same thing. Once you lick the warm, salty, crispy taste of thick-cut bacon, and all the receptors in your brain explode with flavor, you'll never want to go back to that boring, dry dog food. And the same goes for freedom. Once you get a taste for the sweet life of liberty, you'll never look back to those dark, depressing days before you were on your own. So this July, do me a favor and declare your independence...
I'm a free dog and I do what I want. (Except this hat, I do not want to wear this hat.)
Go explore the streets of your own city. Find yourself a new fire hydrant waiting to be claimed (actually, this may not be recommended for humans). Sniff out some new friends. And for the love of all things holy, please do me a favor and eat some thick, juicy, crispy bacon.
And then lick your lips with pride, just because you can.
